Trish Edwards, Winner n°1 of The photo-artistry UdA Awards

Trish Edwards

Winner of The photo-artistry UdA Awards

Her Facebook Page

Member since 2018

1st Winner at the unanimity of the Jury

Her UdA Trophy

 Art Models Tom Eric and Caitlin Gerken

Her "Devastation" series surprised me by its human diversity. The beauty of Tom Eric reminds me Rodin. Then Trish Edwards uses carefully Photoshop what let us appreciate her talent and natural sense of the poses, the emotions, her plays with light and shadows. She found her signature because I could tell at the first sight : it's from Trish ! Of course, as she says, her work will evolve and I'm curious to see her new destinations, as a great traveler and photographer.

Again, Trish, all our congratulations for your art and your passion. I'm happy to welcome a citizen of the world and I thank you for your cooperation and your warmful confidence.

"Destitute"

Art Model Tom Eric

I was born in New Zealand and presently live in Australia. I have always been creative and tried many mediums overtime.

I embarked on my photography journey 7 years ago and recently found digital artistry and realised that this medium alongside my photography will enable me to fulfils my aspirations and vision far beyond my wildest dreams.

I am inspired by the world around me, by mother nature, textures, light and shadows. 

I use my camera to capture what my eyes see, which is reflected and can be viewed in my 'Fine Art Photography'. 

I love pushing beyond this into the creative arena and use many tools of the trade to manipulate and transform images into what my creative mind sees, taking them into the realm of fantasy, whimsical and or dark moody images which is reflected in my 'Digital Artistry'. I endeavour to tell a story using both mediums to take the viewer on a journey beyond the image. My work varies in style and has been said to be dark, moody, light and surreal.  Some pieces are said to be challenging, confronting, invoking hidden emotions, healing and empowering, giving solitude, serenity and curiosity.

Digital Artistry enables me to express my creative inspirations beyond realism and into the world of the unknown.  'Art is to be experienced and not explained'.

I've always been creative  and use to visualise beyond my capabilities, until I explored the medium of 'digital artistry' and combining it with my photography has enabled me to express my creative inspirations beyond realism and into the world of the unknown.  It allows me to express what I see, what I feel, without inhibitions or fear of judgement. It allows me to be me the freedom to be creative.

My work is ever evolving, I haven't settled into a specific style for me its about 'the story', 'the message'.  I just go with what feels right.

"Restored"

Art Models Tom Eric and Caitlin Gerken

Rescued Models 

Art Models Tom Eric and Caitlin Gerken

This series 'Devastation' has many facets.  I was inspired by a photo I saw of Tom his physique and demeanour, powerful yet gentle. I wanted the outcome of the series to be simple and have a organic earthy feel, reflecting 'power and vulnerability'. Hence the work is not overdone and its simplistic just as I visualised, the treatment and mood is what adds to the story, the message.

I photographed these in studio and combined them with other images I had previously taken.  

I must say that at one stage while working on this series, I did veer off track and tried to add other elements and treatment but I continually came back to my original vision. So hence my artistic muse knows best, and the message is clear.

Photography is my passion but more than that its my soul food. It rejuvenates and inspires me to see things in a different way. It enables me to share with others those special moments and glimpses on how I see the world of which we all see differently. What I aim to share is what my soul sees and feels at the time of capture. 

Thank you to all of you who support and share this journey with me.

 

Before to admire the beautiful "Devastation" series, let's have a look on her often awarded and exhibited photographs :

One of her favorite

Water reflections at McLarens Falls-Bay of Plenty 

And another one she loves, in the same place

At McLarens Falls-Bay of Plenty
.

I visited Mongolia, China, Vietnam... I love to travel and explore, to immerse myself in my surroundings and enjoy capturing the moments and stories to share. Vietnam is a country that caught my heart off guard, not only is the landscape beautiful but the people with their warmth, open and generous souls stole my heart. In the countryside villages they toiled day and night, happy in their simplicity of life.

"At the market Amongst the flowers", Vietnam 
.

Awarded-Merit Creative category Perth Royal Show Photography Awards 2017. This is a composite sand dunes photo taken during day post processed then night sky dropped in.

"Lancelin starry night"

Thrilled today to receive my Certificate of achievement Awarded 2nd Runner-up in 'Moments' by Travel Photographer Society and will be Exhibited in TPS Awards 2018 Kuala Lumpur prestigious gallery White Box MAKPL in April 2018.

"Piercing The Dusty Plain" at inner Mongolia
.

 
Quietly pondering as she believes this will be her last harvest of herbs, due to her age. Evidence of the love and the importance of her family were in her home being surrounded by her grandchildren she has a gentle strength in her eyes and I couldn't help but wonder what her beautiful eyes had seen and experienced through her daily life in northern Vietnam. She belongs to the Black mung ethnic minority tribe.

 "Quiet Contemplation"

 "Walking into the Future"

 A glimpse of the Milky Way last night... such wonders of our universe.

The series "Devastation"

Through life we can experience times of devastation, which can consume us in many ways, for various reasons. To arrive at the mountain tops we must walk through some valleys as we navigate our way to the top.

Art Model Tom Eric

"Contemplation"

"Destitute"

With Art Model Caitlin Gerken

Art Model Caitlin Gerken

"Broken"

"Masked Soul"

"Desolate"

"Hidden Secrets"

"Unspoken Words"

"Mystery Women"

Welcome Sue Masterson, Winner of The photo-artistry UdA Awards

Sue Masterson

Winner of The photo-artistry UdA Awards

Her Facebook

Member since 2018

The winning composition

"Zebras on the move"

Having a passion for art and a love of animals, I quickly purchased a camera and set about taking images while travelling around the world. These photographs are varied and extensive from  animals to people, buildings and often the ground, sky and textures. I would then go home and paint many pictures from my photographs.

About 4 years ago, I came across Digital Artistry, this allowed me to combine many of my photographs together as well as using my imagination  to create  original works far beyond my original photograph. 

I have recently started working with models in my studio, "Studio Su". From the days shoot I choose my favourite shots and set about telling a story to capture my viewers attention. I hope you'll enjoy my work as much as I enjoyed creating it.




You know me, it was not enough. Furthermore, I want that each winner expresses himself in more intime words. So, I asked her the same simple questions I asked to Michelle Mondragon :

"Anna's Book"

How did you find your style ?

After many years of painting and travelling to take photos of things to paint when I came home, I found a course that taught me how to combine my photos to create something different and interesting.

My main interests when photographing has always been animals, patterns and textures. However of late I have been interested more with model photography. 

This allows me to create a story from my creations and hopefully give the viewers of my work a place to stop and ponder on the piece before them.


Do you consider yourself more of a painter than a photographer ?

As painting was what sparked my interest in photography, I would say painting was definitely my beginning, however these days I find myself planning more on what and how I am going to take the photograph to carry forward to my art.


What inspires you ?

I am constantly inspired by the texture, colours, wildlife and fauna that nature provides us as well as the desire to create an image that connects with the viewer.

Thank you for this awesome opportunity,
Sue

Not awesome dear Sue, you deserve it and you winned the trophy. This article is your promised price. Again bravo for your fantastic creations which touch us.

The way she creates

She sent me spontaneously her way to work a piece ! I thank her for this unexpected idea :

I am also attaching a breakdown of one of my pieces , to give you an idea of what goes into a piece.  I have chosen a piece that only has a few layers, many that are created have up to  80 or 90 different images in them.

The materials

After hours and hours of inspiration, 10%, and hard work, 90%

The photographer

The composer

"Blade"

 "Turtle Tank"

"Jayde---escape"

"Art within art"

"Alana"

"Jessie's Review"

"Ele"

"Taming a Lion"

"Tiger Falls"

"Leap of Faith"

Welcome Michelle Mondragon, Winner of the photo-artistry UdA Awards

Michelle Mondragon

Winner of the photo-artistry UdA Awards

Her Facebook

Member since 2018

The 9 others Winners to come

 Her camera ?

"I prefer the term creator to artist.

"Artist" always seemed a bit lofty, something one must attain, rather than be. Everyone is a creative in some way or another, and as a teacher I strive to encourage others to follow their instincts and their vision to form their own path. I once asked a mentor if there was a difference between having an imagination or a vision. She told me there was no difference.

I wondered why people with visions are considered a bit crazy, while we compliment others on their imagination. I have visions all the time. I always have. 

I am just now learning how to take what I see and make it real. It’s a slow process, but a worthwhile journey. Technology has been another mentor, allowing me to explore my visions in a way I never thought possible."

The winning composition of the photo-artistry UdA Awards

After I received her beautiful photographs and photo-compositions :

My dear Michelle, you impress me. I love the figurative series where you excel. Of course, I've some questions. How did you find your style ? Do you consider yourself more a painter than a photographer ? What inspire you ? Friendly. Chris


Chris, I am very flattered by your kind words. My style is a bit eclectic in that sometimes I lean towards painterly other times more photo realistic. The subject decides for me which way to go.

I’d like to be someday a mixed media (organic materials mixed with photography) painter but have much to learn. The textures I use in all my work I do paint with real paint, watercolor, acrylic, and inks mostly, then I scan them in and combine with my photography.

"Caged"

















The still lives were all shot using a small flash light and literally painting with the light on the subject. This took long exposures which resulted in more noise in the images.

So by combining painted textures and digital techniques I attempted to hide the fact that my camera is not so good in low light situations. I just experimented with different recipes until it looked intentional.

I’m inspired by nearly everything around me. Other artists often inspire me. I teach in the photography department at the local community college and an art school where my students inspire me.

Thank you for asking those questions. Sometimes I need a reminder to just pause and reflect about why I spend so much time trying to create.

Warm Regards,
Michelle

Warm regards too Michelle. Again bravo from Dave, Dan and myself, you deserve it. And never hesitates to send me your new works at pelierc@yahoo.fr

The photographer and poet

Abandoned series 

"Who was here?
What did they do?
Were their dreams fulfilled?
I’d like to think there was laughter and joy.
It’s wonderful to imagine their presence in this place made a difference.
That someplace in the world there are others who remember them with fondness and appreciation. They were here and they mattered."

The beautiful visions of a creator

"BookTree"

"Bottles"

 "Book forest"

"Torched"

Three unreal pieces of her series " Tree Study"